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The AI Competence Mirage: What Product Leaders Are Getting Wrong
In this episode of Beyond Product Management, Heather Miller sits down with Makoto Kern, product strategy and UX leader, to unpack what really drives successful products — especially in a world obsessed with speed, AI, and shipping “something” as fast as possible.
Makoto shares his journey from electrical and robotics engineering on the manufacturing floor to leading enterprise and B2C product strategy, and how firsthand exposure to poorly designed software shaped his holistic approach to product development.
Together, Heather and Makoto explore why jumping straight into wireframes is often the most expensive mistake teams make, how product owners act as the true connective tissue between business, UX, and engineering, and why “slowing down” early is the fastest way to win long-term.
The conversation also dives deep into the current AI hype cycle, drawing parallels to the dot-com boom and bust. Makoto introduces the concept of the “AI Competence Mirage” — where AI creates the illusion of expertise without true understanding — and explains why experience, judgment, and asking better questions matter more than ever.
This episode is a must-listen for product leaders, founders, and executives navigating enterprise UX, AI adoption, and the pressure to move fast without losing direction.
Connect with Makoto
Impact.io
PDRM Consulting's mission is to help businesses reduce risk, specifically in the fields of Cybersecurity and Product Management.
Heather bridges the professional development gap in the corporate space by empowering growth-driven product managers to transition into strategic, results-oriented leaders. By focusing on enhancing key skills and decision-making capabilities, she helps them accelerate their leadership journey, achieve measurable outcomes more quickly, and excel in driving product success. Her approach ensures they thrive in their roles and unlock their full potential as impactful servant leaders within their organizations.
You can follow us for more daily content:
Instagram: @pdrmconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pdrm-consulting
Join our Newsletter:https://solitary-block-17987.myflodesk.com/ofo6k6a0f9
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By Heather Miller (PDRM Consulting)In this episode of Beyond Product Management, Heather Miller sits down with Makoto Kern, product strategy and UX leader, to unpack what really drives successful products — especially in a world obsessed with speed, AI, and shipping “something” as fast as possible.
Makoto shares his journey from electrical and robotics engineering on the manufacturing floor to leading enterprise and B2C product strategy, and how firsthand exposure to poorly designed software shaped his holistic approach to product development.
Together, Heather and Makoto explore why jumping straight into wireframes is often the most expensive mistake teams make, how product owners act as the true connective tissue between business, UX, and engineering, and why “slowing down” early is the fastest way to win long-term.
The conversation also dives deep into the current AI hype cycle, drawing parallels to the dot-com boom and bust. Makoto introduces the concept of the “AI Competence Mirage” — where AI creates the illusion of expertise without true understanding — and explains why experience, judgment, and asking better questions matter more than ever.
This episode is a must-listen for product leaders, founders, and executives navigating enterprise UX, AI adoption, and the pressure to move fast without losing direction.
Connect with Makoto
Impact.io
PDRM Consulting's mission is to help businesses reduce risk, specifically in the fields of Cybersecurity and Product Management.
Heather bridges the professional development gap in the corporate space by empowering growth-driven product managers to transition into strategic, results-oriented leaders. By focusing on enhancing key skills and decision-making capabilities, she helps them accelerate their leadership journey, achieve measurable outcomes more quickly, and excel in driving product success. Her approach ensures they thrive in their roles and unlock their full potential as impactful servant leaders within their organizations.
You can follow us for more daily content:
Instagram: @pdrmconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pdrm-consulting
Join our Newsletter:https://solitary-block-17987.myflodesk.com/ofo6k6a0f9